Lavezzi, Rosi banned for spitting

Napoli’s Ezequiel Lavezzi and Roma’s Aleandro Rosi were both handed three-match bans for spitting at each other during their Serie A meeting on Sunday.

Napoli won the game 2-0, thanks to two goals from in-form Uruguayan striker Edinson Cavani, but the off-the-ball clash between Lavezzi and Rossi in the first half was a major talking point.

Both players were booked for the incident, and after reviewing television footage of the scuffle, the Italian FA said further action was warranted.

“The television images show the Roma player nearing the Napoli striker, and in the following action directed a spit which was immediately exchanged,” a statement read.

“The spit must be considered an action of violent conduct from the organs of sports justice.”

“The punishment for Rosi and Lavezzi is a three-game ban.”